What Matters/Compassion

Compassion

The parable of the Good Samaritan describes an act of compassion.

Compassion is your deeply felt ability to understand the suffering of another and your desire to relieve their suffering. The word means to suffer together.

Compassion is recognized as a great virtue in numerous philosophies, and is considered in all the major religious traditions as among the greatest of virtues.

Frenchman Matthieu Ricard is remarkable for his extraordinary capacity for compassion. As a result, he has been called the happiest person in the world.

Assignment:

• Communicate using dialogue rather than debate.
• Study this essay on becoming compassionate. Take the steps outlined for getting there.
• Read the book Ricard, Matthieu; Daniel Goleman (2007). Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill. Little, Brown and Company. pp. 304. ISBN 978-0316167253. 
• Practice the exercises described in the book to increase your capacity for compassion.
• Practice compassion.
  • Perform kind acts spontaneously, such as these examples.

Suggestions for further reading:

• Ricard, Matthieu; Daniel Goleman (2007). Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill. Little, Brown and Company. pp. 304. ISBN 978-0316167253. 
• Armstrong, Karen (2010). Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. Knopf. pp. 240. ISBN 978-0307595591. 
• (Evaluate the book: Field Notes on the Compassionate Life: A Search for the Soul of Kindness )
• (Evaluate the book: Healing Emotions: Conversations with the Dalai Lama on Mindfulness, Emotions, and Health )